A nice article on some SML up and comers with our boy being one of them: NHL.com

Teemu Pulkkinen, LW, Jokerit Helsinki -- Heading into the 2009-10 season, Pulkkinen was considered a likely first-round pick in the 2010 Entry Draft, but injuries (he underwent a pair of surgeries) and inconsistency on the ice pushed him down one round after another.

"When the regular season started, we played bad," Pulkkinen told NHL.com. "We were losing lots of games and then I broke my wrist. I had surgery and they put a pin in my wrist. … (Also) I had (shoulder) surgery four weeks before the (NHL Scouting) Combine."

Pulkkinen, who had undergone knee surgery the previous season, was in danger of being labeled a fragile player. The Detroit Red Wings, an organization with a history of identifying European gems, grabbed Pulkkinen in the fourth round (No. 111). So far this season, the 5-foot-11, 183-pounder has looked like a steal. He's been healthy and very productive, and has started to tap into the potential that had some comparing him to fellow Jokerit product Teemu Selanne during his junior career.

After being limited to a dozen SM-Liiga games last season, Pulkkinen has played all 20 games to date for Jokerit. Still a rookie, the right-shooting sniper has averaged nearly a point per game (8 goals, 11 assists) and has shown no ill effects from the surgeries.

"Teemu can play either wing, but he has a tremendous shot from the off-wing. He's a scorer with skills you can't teach, but he also works hard. Learning the defensive parts of the game, adding strength, these things take time, but he has not looked out of place," said Jokerit general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.

The Best Of BCHankthaTank- Squirrels, they hate to be thrown. / Why is the magical unicorn named Brian... Jedi - I just downloaded the "kids" book, "Go the F--k to Sleep" as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson on my kindle. I am now ready to be a daddy. / *Checks Router* No, I'm positive I didn't hit the "Wings Defense Sucks" button. Electrophile - I'm just glad the Wings were able to win despite the Curse of Brian. ACallToArms - I think Trey needs to put something about payroll tax and deferred income in his sig... Edicius- I'd rather [have] a soundbite of me saying "I like (man sausage)" rather than "I like Crosby".

I'd say he's a shoo-in for the final roster. Hopefully Armia makes it, I need to check that kid out. Why no Markus Granlund though? Next year for sure, right?

Yeah Teemu is bound to make it and I would think Armia too. Maybe they still see Markus as a work in progress, next year he'll probably be in. Although he has already played for HIFK in FEL while his brother has been injured and hasn't looked out of place.

Interesting fact: at the pace he has been scoring so far Pulkkinen would be on pace to break the all-time record on points for a rookie in the FEL. The previous owner of the title is none other than a certain other Teemu you may have heard of once or twice, two seasons before he came to the NHL and put up 132 points and 76 goals in his rookie season. It should be mentioned though that when Selänne played in Finland the regular season was 14 games shorter.

Interesting fact: at the pace he has been scoring so far Pulkkinen would be on pace to break the all-time record on points for a rookie in the FEL. The previous owner of the title is none other than a certain other Teemu you may have heard of once or twice, two seasons before he came to the NHL and put up 132 points and 76 goals in his rookie season. It should be mentioned though that when Selänne played in Finland the regular season was 14 games shorter.

The game was different back then also, from what I've heard from Finnish fans, the goalies weren't as good as they are today. Take it for what you want.

The game was different back then also, from what I've heard from Finnish fans, the goalies weren't as good as they are today. Take it for what you want.

That can be said for nearly ever league in hockey. Remember, it was only a couple decades ago where goalies still played primarily stand-up and shots from outside the blue line would go in on a consistent basis.

The Best Of BCHankthaTank- Squirrels, they hate to be thrown. / Why is the magical unicorn named Brian... Jedi - I just downloaded the "kids" book, "Go the F--k to Sleep" as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson on my kindle. I am now ready to be a daddy. / *Checks Router* No, I'm positive I didn't hit the "Wings Defense Sucks" button. Electrophile - I'm just glad the Wings were able to win despite the Curse of Brian. ACallToArms - I think Trey needs to put something about payroll tax and deferred income in his sig... Edicius- I'd rather [have] a soundbite of me saying "I like (man sausage)" rather than "I like Crosby".

That can be said for nearly ever league in hockey. Remember, it was only a couple decades ago where goalies still played primarily stand-up and shots from outside the blue line would go in on a consistent basis.

my point exactly, so its hard to use point totals from the late 70s to the early 90s as a bench mark against which to set today's players.

my point exactly, so its hard to use point totals from the late 70s to the early 90s as a bench mark against which to set today's players.

Plus, they play more games a season as well.

The Best Of BCHankthaTank- Squirrels, they hate to be thrown. / Why is the magical unicorn named Brian... Jedi - I just downloaded the "kids" book, "Go the F--k to Sleep" as narrated by Samuel L. Jackson on my kindle. I am now ready to be a daddy. / *Checks Router* No, I'm positive I didn't hit the "Wings Defense Sucks" button. Electrophile - I'm just glad the Wings were able to win despite the Curse of Brian. ACallToArms - I think Trey needs to put something about payroll tax and deferred income in his sig... Edicius- I'd rather [have] a soundbite of me saying "I like (man sausage)" rather than "I like Crosby".

assisted 2 powerplay goals including gamewinner at overtime. (which was a lucky bounce off the backboards, after a poor shot by him)

so 0+2, 7 shots, 17:01 icetime

I think he was the best player on the ice tonight.(for Jokerit of course, dont pay much attention to enemys players)
Granlund returned too after two months out, and that showed (ok I got caught, i watched him little bit closely )
edit: my bad it was granlunds 5th game back after injury, as I said dont follow other teams that much...